A Poignant, Unfinished Tale of Discipline, Dysfunction, and Despair
Introduction
Naangal, directed by Karthik Suresh, is a typical festival circuit film that leans into its indie roots, exploring the fragile dynamics of a broken family set against the misty, melancholic backdrop of Lovedale, Ooty. Selected for reputed festivals like Focus South Asia, Jio MAMI, IFF Rotterdam, and Sao Paulo International Film Festival, the film attempts to capture the complexities of human relationships and authoritarian parenting through the eyes of three young boys and their embittered father.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Karthik (Mithun), a 13-year-old boy, and his younger siblings Gautham (Nithin) and Dhruv (Rithik Mohan). Their father, Rajkumar (Abdul Rafe), a stern school principal, rules both his school and home with an iron fist. As his school faces a financial crisis, Rajkumar’s frustrations seep into his household, where he subjects his children to an oppressive routine, demanding discipline, obedience, and academic excellence at all costs.
Kathy, the family dog, becomes the lone emotional anchor for the boys in this harsh environment.
The arrival of Padma (Prarthana Srikanth), Rajkumar’s estranged wife, sparks a flicker of warmth and hope. However, her attempts to reconcile and be a mother to her sons are met with stubborn hostility from Rajkumar, whose reasons for the estrangement remain frustratingly unexplained.
Eventually, Rajkumar relinquishes control of his school and takes up a new position as Principal at an International School in Andhra Pradesh, forcing his sons to uproot their lives yet again. The film closes on an unsettling note with Kathy’s death, leaving several narrative threads unresolved.
Performances
The film’s heart lies in the tender, authentic performances of its young actors. Mithun, as Karthik, captures the burden of premature adulthood with quiet restraint. Nithin and Rithik Mohan support him ably, delivering convincing performances as innocent victims of a rigid patriarchal setup.
Abdul Rafe is intense and commanding as Rajkumar. While his character’s motives are ambiguous, Rafe’s portrayal brings out the internal conflict of a man torn between professional failure and personal insecurities.
Prarthana Srikanth’s limited screen time still leaves an impression, offering a nuanced, understated performance as Padma.
Direction & Technical Aspects
Director Karthik Suresh deserves credit for crafting an atmospherically rich and emotionally heavy narrative. The choice of Lovedale and Ooty as locations enhances the film’s brooding tone. The cinematography, dominated by low-key lighting and mist-laden visuals, mirrors the coldness and unresolved grief of its characters.
However, the screenplay falters in offering concrete answers or closure to the audience. Key character motivations remain vague, and the film’s refusal to explain certain crucial narrative elements may alienate mainstream viewers.
The background score is subtle, blending naturally with the film’s understated storytelling style.
Strengths
Strong, natural performances by the three boys.
Abdul Rafe’s compelling screen presence.
Atmospheric visuals and authentic locations.
Festival-friendly storytelling with an indie sensibility.
Weaknesses
Several unresolved subplots.
Lack of character motivation clarity, especially regarding Rajkumar’s animosity towards his wife.
A slow, brooding pace that may not appeal to all audiences.
An abrupt and emotionally unsatisfying ending.
Final Thoughts
Naangal is a film that thrives in its mood and performances but falters in narrative closure. While it effectively portrays the suffocating effects of authoritarian parenting and familial estrangement, the absence of clear motivations and an unresolved climax dilute its emotional impact. That said, its festival selections are a testament to the director’s ability to craft a visually and thematically rich experience.
Verdict Quote
“A hauntingly atmospheric tale of broken bonds and unanswered questions — poignant but unfinished.”
